Job Description:

The Brown University Herbarium contains approximately 120,000 specimens, many of which are significant to New England botanical history. Recently, the collection has acquired two large sets of uncurated vascular plant specimens and fungi from other regional herbaria.

The Herbarium Curatorial Assistant is responsible for day-to-day management of the collection, including all aspects of its preservation, improvement, development, and use. A primary goal of this position is to work with the Director to catalog and intercalate these sets into the collection while continuing ongoing projects relating to digitizing and curating the existing collections. Duties include organizing the digital and physical components of the collections, mounting and repairing specimens, identifying and annotating type specimens, responding to loan requests, updating taxonomy, working with researchers, and promoting the research and educational mission of the Herbarium. This position also requires correspondence with other herbaria, scientists, and conservation organizations; administering the Herbarium’s volunteer program; and assisting with supervision of undergraduate student workers.

Education and Experience

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in the biological sciences with at least one year of experience in a herbarium or natural history museum setting (or closely related experience required) and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong knowledge of systematic botany.

• Previous experience with large-scale projects and data management.

Job Competencies

• Experience in data entry and database use and management

• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work independently

• Ability to direct a small team to complete collection management projects

• Excellent verbal and written communication

• Ability to create and support a collegial and professional environment for staff, students, visitors, and volunteers

• Knowledge of vascular plant taxonomy and nomenclature

• Knowledge of herbarium principles, practices, and procedures

• Knowledge of bryophyte and/or fungal taxonomy and nomenclature

• Working knowledge of collections management databases (e.g. Specify, Symbiota)

• Skills in specimen mounting and repair

Criminal background and education check required.

This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-11-20

Job Posting Title:

Herbarium Curatorial Assistant

Department:

Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology

Grade:

Grade 8

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Part time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

26

Position Work Location:

Onsite

 

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.